Letter: Port expansion

Wednesday, July 31 2019

I have just heard that a major expansion is planned for the federally operated Port of Nanaimo on Duke Point, just down the road from the existing ferry terminal. I also heard that all necessary consultations have allegedly taken place. Funny, but I don’t remember anyone asking me for my opinion. Assuming these are not merely unsubstantiated rumours, exactly who has been consulted? Have first nations been asked about this proposed development in their traditional territory? I would think that Gabriolans would be vitally concerned about huge unwieldy freighters operating right on their back doorstep, loading and unloading in this relatively narrow and restricted body of water. I suggest that we start bombarding our local elected representatives— both federal and provincial— with questions about this.